Appendicitis is a condition that occurs when the appendix becomes infected and inflamed. This small tube-like organ is attached to the colon and is part of the immune system in young children. However, as children age, the appendix loses this function. When the appendix gets infected, it fills with pus, causing severe abdominal pain, which often requires immediate surgery. This article discusses the common causes, symptoms, treatment options, and remedies for appendicitis.

Causes
The exact cause of appendicitis is not known. In most cases, the appendix becomes inflamed and infected when a part of it is blocked or obstructed. This may happen due to several reasons:

• Accumulation of hard stool in the bowels
• Swollen lymphoid follicles
• Infection by intestinal worms, viruses, bacteria, or parasite
• Traumatic injury to the intestines
• Growth of tumors in the abdominal area

As a result, the appendix starts to swell and becomes sore. Over time, the supply of blood to the appendix becomes disrupted. With the lack of sufficient blood, the appendix starts to decay. It may end up bursting or developing tears and holes along the walls, through which mucus, pathogens, and stool may enter. This may result in peritonitis, a serious infection which requires emergency surgery.

While appendicitis may happen to anyone, there are certain cases when the risk is high. Some of the common risk factors include:

• Age : It has been observed appendicitis usually occurs during teens and in young adults who are in their 20s.
• Gender : Appendicitis is known to be more common in men than in women.
• Family history : If a close family member such as a parent, grandparent, or sibling has appendicitis, it is highly likely for a person to have the condition. Family history plays a key role as a significant risk factor.

Symptoms
One of the early signs of appendicitis is the development of an aching pain close to the belly button. Over a short period of time, the pain becomes severe and starts to localize to the right side of the lower abdomen. In most cases, the pain shoots up within a few hours. It worsens with movement or when one sneezes, coughs, or takes a deep breath. Some other notable appendicitis symptoms include:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Unable to pass gas
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal swelling
• Slight fever

In some cases, most of these typical signs of appendicitis will not occur. This mostly happens in the case of pregnant women and young children. Additionally, most of these symptoms are often similar to other digestive health issues. This often makes it difficult to get a definite diagnosis and take prompt action.

Treatment options
Since there is a risk of the appendix bursting, appendicitis requires urgent medical treatment. Some of the common treatment options include:

Surgery to remove the appendix
The surgical process to remove the appendix is known as appendectomy. It can be done via open surgery, which involves making incisions in the abdomen, or laparoscopic surgery, which uses a video camera and special tools to remove the appendix. Most surgeons prefer laparoscopic surgery as it allows faster recovery and healing. In addition, there is less pain and scarring of tissues. However, open appendectomy is generally used when the appendix ruptures and the infection spreads to other organs. With open surgery, it is possible to clean out the infection from the other organs. This procedure requires a couple of days of stay at the hospital.

Draining an abscess before appendix surgery
This treatment option is usually done when an abscess has formed around the burst appendix. This process of draining helps to control the infection present in the abscess. A tube is inserted into the abscess to drain it, and the surgery is performed.

Remedies and lifestyle changes
One may require a couple of weeks to recover from the appendectomy completely. To help the body recover and heal, one may take the following remedial measures.

Limit physical activities
After a laparoscopic appendectomy procedure, it is generally advised to refrain from mild or strenuous physical activity for a minimum of 3 to 5 days. If one has undergone an open appendectomy, one should not engage in any physical activity for about 10 to 14 days following the procedure. It is important to consult with a healthcare team regarding the level of physical activity one is allowed to do during the recovery period.

Support the abdomen while coughing
Sudden movements like coughing, laughing, or sneezing can trigger pain in the abdomen. To avoid this, one can place a soft pillow over the stomach and apply slight pressure before coughing, sneezing, or any sudden involuntary movement.

Take enough rest
It is important to take a nap or rest whenever one is feeling tired. Fatigue is quite common as the body starts to heal from the surgery. Therefore, it is important to take rest as one is recovering.

Make healthy food choices
Eat foods that help the healing process. Refrain from eating highly spicy or fried foods, which can aggravate pain and discomfort.